Kenneth B. Bakewell

Kenneth B. Bakewell, age 78 of Hokah, MN passed away Monday, February 5, 2024 at his home after an 8 month battle with leukemia. He was born April 5, 1945 in Waukon, Iowa to the late Joseph and Luella (Schulte) Bakewell. At the age of 20 he married Carole Ward. They divorced after 23 years of marriage. Ken was blessed with 3 daughters from this marriage: Kathy, Vicki, and Lori.

Ken married Bonnie (Kappauf) Lange in 1990. Together they built their dream home on their 40-acre slice of Heaven just outside of Hokah. Ken worked as a diesel mechanic his entire life before retiring at age 66. After retiring he was able to focus on his hobby farm which included taking care of his beloved cattle, making hay, and cutting wood. Ken had an incredible ability to re-purpose broken items into exactly what he wanted. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his grand/great grandchildren grow up, play sports, and he loved to hear about their adventures.

Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 34 years, Bonnie; children: Kathy (Eric) Rogich, Vicki (Alan) Sanwick, Lori (Andy) Pankratz, Troy (Shannon) Lange, Tammy (Dusty) Twite; grandchildren: Ashley Gald, Ashley Rogich, Nick (Vanessa) Rogich, Emily and Caleb Sanwick, Wyatt, Ava, and Gabe Pankratz, Reece (Erin) Lange, Seth (Heather), Cayley and Luke Twite; great-grandchildren: Alex Henke, Skylee Yang, Phillip and Brianna Rodgers, and Ivan Rogich; sister, Jan Howes; brothers: Ralph (Kathy) Bakewell and Jim (Joyce) Bakewell; sister-in-law, Diane (Ted) Novak; brothers-in-law: Kevin (Anne) Kappauf, and Brian (Ann) Kappauf; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Luella; brothers: Larry, Ron, and Bob; brother-in-law, Bill Howes; and sister-in-law, Colleen Bakewell.

The family would like to thank the Mayo Hospice team: Lindsey, Elizabeth, Tuesday, Jackie, Ellen, Mary, Desiree, Liz, Dr. Winegarden, Dr. Bingel, and Dr. Allie (who was there for us at the beginning of Ken’s journey) for their compassionate care.

All services will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah, MN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 14th from 4:00-7:00 pm and on Thursday, February 15th from 9:30 - 10:45 am. The eulogy will begin on Thursday, February 15th at 10:45 am and the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am. Burial will follow Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Hokah.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 34 Main St. Hokah, MN 55941.